Vanilla Cupcakes

I have made quite a few cupcakes this year and I think I've only made vanilla cupcakes once. When I was asked to make something for a bake sale at work, I decided on vanilla cupcakes - plain & simple, perfect for the occasion.  I also wanted to try out new recipes from my Love bakery cookbook which I absolutely love!
These were really quick and easy to make and turned out beautifully. I'll definitely be making these again and again :)

 cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy

 ready to go in the oven 

 fresh from the oven 

 ready to go 

 I made 4 different colours with various toppings 

For the cupcake   (Makes 12 - but I got 16 as mine are quite small) 

125g butter

125g caster sugar

1.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

125g self raising flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3 tablespoon milk

For the icing

125g butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

250g icing sugar, sifted

1 tablespoon milk

Food colouring (optional) 

• Preheat oven to 180C.
• Add butter, sugar and vanilla extract to an electric mixer and cream for 7 minutes or until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one by one and mix for a further 2 minutes.
• Mix the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. 
• Then add to the mixer and mix until incorporated.
• Add the milk and mix for a further minute.
• Use an ice cream scoop to divide the mixture evenly between the cases. 
• Bake for approximately 25 minutes.

To make the icing

• Cream the butter and vanilla extract together in the mixer for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
• Add the icing sugar and milk and mix for a further 2 minutes until well blended.
• Add food colouring if required and pipe onto cupcakes. 
• Decorate with sprinkles as desired.